Olympic medal-winning boxer found dead
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Your support makes all the difference.Olympic medal-winning boxer Darren Sutherland was found dead at home by his manager.
The 27-year-old, who won bronze for Ireland at the 2008 Games in Beijing, was found hanged yesterday in his flat in Bromley, south London, by Frank Maloney.
In a statement, the boxing promoter said: "It is very sad and unexpected.
"At this sad time my thoughts are with Darren's family and I hope their privacy at this very difficult time will be respected by the media.
"It is a tragedy for Ireland and the world of boxing."
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said Sutherland was pronounced dead at just after 3pm. His death is not being treated as suspicious. His family have been informed.
The fighter made his professional debut in Dublin last December, winning by a knockout.
Irish Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen offered condolences to Sutherland's family.
"The death of Darren is a great personal loss to them and to his many friends," the minister said.
"The tremendous effort and determination of this young man brought immense pride to Ireland in Beijing in 2008 when he joined a very select group of men who have won an Olympic medal for Ireland.
"It takes work, effort, desire and dedication to be a champion - qualities Darren had in abundance."
Mr Cullen said Sutherland had grabbed the challenge of turning pro with great enthusiasm.
"Ireland has lost a sportsman of wonderful ability, a clever and popular man with a future of real potential.
"His early death deprives us of a magnificent talent."
Sutherland turned pro and joined the Maloney camp after his Olympics success last year.
Britain's Olympic middleweight champion James DeGale, who beat Sutherland in Beijing, spoke last night of his shock at the Irishman's death.
"It is very, very sad news - I just can't believe it," he told the Press Association
"It is a tragedy. First and foremost, my heart goes out to his family.
"I just could not believe it; my heart went to the floor when I heard.
"He was a big part of my Olympic medal journey, and it is just terrible. I just do not know what to say except that he was a brilliant fighter, in fact an excellent fighter, and he was a gentleman outside the ring as well.
"He had an Olympic bronze medal, and his whole life to look forward to. He had a great future, and my heart goes out to everyone who knew him."
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